I’m at the best resort in Bonaire and I’ve decided to sleep outside. I can’t get enough of the view, the sound of the waves, and the smell of the ocean. I arrived at Bellafonte Bonaire today and I don’t want to leave. Even when my kiteboarding lesson was canceled because of low winds, I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve never found a place that captured my attention more than adventure, but Bellafonte takes the cake. Get a look at that view!
Bellafonte Bonaire offers Utopia in a private setting. It’s a retreat with ocean views from every suite and direct access to the warm and inviting waters of the Caribbean via a picturesque dock. When I was shown to my room, I felt like the mistress of a Columbia drug lord; only the drug cartel could visit a place like this, right? It has a fully-equipped kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The tastefully decorated living room incorporates real wood and authentic artwork and the massive, master bedroom has a balcony with a to-die-for view. I was thoroughly impressed, but when I looked outside my mouth dropped. Was I in a dream?
The dock was a turquoise paradise with lounge chairs and crystal clear waters. All I could do was shake my head. Rather than wasting another minute, I went down and jumped in. I stayed in the water all day, sometimes using a mask and snorkel to see the fish and other times just floating on my back and looking at the blur between the ocean and the sky. I must have jumped from the dock 20 times with a huge grin and excitement bubbling over.
When the sun started to go down and my fingers were cold and wrinkled, I stayed on the patio in my wet clothes and a towel. I couldn’t go inside. I didn’t want to blink and miss it.
The sun has gone down and the darkness set in, but I can’t imagine the beauty that awaits when the sun rises again and hits the water in the morning. I managed to pull one of the smaller couches outside and I’m going to sleep out here. Sometimes we’re given the opportunity to see something in our lives that is too spectacular to waste.
Bucket List Publications 
I visited Bonaire before I had kids, and it was a paradise. 🙂 Thanks for triggering so many great memories. 🙂
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Sounds absolutely amazing. Don’t you just wish it was forever?
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Except for the tiny jelly fish, I remember my hands burning from tiny stings. LOL Oh, to have someone else cook, laze by the water, eat by the ocean in the moonlight. Ah, the memories are great. 🙂
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Those jelly fish got me good! I’m still hurting.
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And nothing worked to make the stinging stop. Ugh. Luckily I had a wetsuit so they only got my hands. 🙂
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Beautiful!! I wish I was there. I can see why you love it so much. I would love it too.
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Have you ever been to Bonaire? It’s one of my favorite islands in the world!
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I love being close to the ocean!! Thanks for posting!
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That’s why we moved back to California. It’s part of me. It brings me so much happiness. What is your favorite island destination?
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I think I would just pitch a tent on the beach Leslie. It’s beautiful there. That would be a great place to spend the rest of my life.
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I’d be happy living in Bonaire, especially at Bellafonte!
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Looks like a nice little slice of heaven! I’d be in the water all day, every day burned to a crisp … lol. Cheers!
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Yep! I’m more tanned/burnt that I’ve been in my entire life. I pretty much lived outside the entire time I was in Bonaire. I never wanted to go in.
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I want! I want! Alaska beaches are beautiful but they’re too cold to swim without a wetsuit. Oh, to dive down inside that clear green-blue water! Enjoy your adventure, and have a nice sleep out on the patio.
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Thank you! I actually did it, too. It was one of the best sleeps I had in years. The waves, the smell, the sounds. Heaven!
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I love the colours of the water!
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It was the best color on the entire island. What an amazing spot! Where is your favorite island destination?
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I live on an island (Vancouver Island) and it’s always nice to come home. We have a lot of small islands nearby that make great boating destinations, but they don’t have that tropical appeal. It’s a different kind of holiday – a bit cooler.
Your colours of the water reminded me of a trip to southern Spain many years ago where the water had three definite layers of blue, green, and turquoise. I loved it there!
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Just enjoy Lesley, I do understand you. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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I need to try this place out. This island has fabulous scuba diving.
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Some of the best shore diving in the world. Are you a diver?
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I dive, but not as much as I used to.
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Reblogged this on YHVH Talent Management.
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Sweet dreams–it looks like paradise!
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Oh yeah, that last sentence says so much. Wow. Who is the teen jumping off the dock?
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wow
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Wow… it looks just amazing 🙂 What a great place!
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This is not helping me stifle my Caribbean fantasies one bit! 2015. And then one day I’ll be there on my own little yacht–I just know it. (Taking a sailing course in Wales in June–look out, world!)
Your last line in this piece is a great one, and I like your spirit.
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The only way to help your Caribbean fantasies is to go! You should do it 🙂
Good luck with the sailing course. I’m sure you’ll love it. Have you been sailing before? Do you own a boat?
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You are very lucky! 🙂 Have a wonderful time. Bonaire sounds (and looks!) like a place I would like to put on my bucket list.
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W–O–W !
I can’t believe how clear the water is or that turquoise shade. Absolutely surreal. 🙂
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I think I’m drooling, Lesley! This place looks heavenly; so glad you were able to enjoy it! A tropical vacation is on my list, but not in the cards right now. Hopefully, in the near future, though! Happy Mother’s Day! 🙂
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I like the sound of the tropical waters. There is nothing better!
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WOW!!! I am truly speechless.
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Beautiful. I’m glad you’re taking the time to enjoy it!
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I love this! You sound giddy!
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This looks so beautiful! I want to cry over my desk with longing. If only I could transport myself there!!
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Just back after a stay of 9 days on Bonaire. Can’t wait to go back. Thanks for posting!
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Where did you stay? What did you do while you were there? Did you go for diving? I have so many questions 🙂
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Nice view! Thanks for sharing 😉
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Beautiful, I wish I was there!
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Oh my gosh what a beautiful and amazing place!!! Because of your posts I want to go there!!!!!
Definitely on the must visit places!
Hope you get to kite board soon!! It’s such a rush when you finally hook up and take off!!!
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I got to go kiteboarding on my last day. It was awesome! I’ll share about my experiences soon 🙂
Have you been kiteboarding for a while?
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Looks lovely, all that sea and sun!
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Fabulous pics – looks idyllic
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stunningly beautiful!!
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